WEDNESDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Kgs 18: 20-39; Ps 16: 1-2, 4-5, 8, 11; Mt 5: 17-19
ARE OUR ACTIONS GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT?
In today’s pericope, the prophet Elijah challenges the people of Israel who have been worshipping both Yahweh and Baal. All of Israel is assembled to see which god is more powerful. The Baal team goes first and we see Elijah ridiculing them. They whip up a frenzy to no avail. When Elijah’s turn comes, he selects twelve stones for the altar according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob. Elijah has water poured three times on the altar. This is to prevent any natural explanation for the fire that consumes the offering.
In keeping with his call as a prophet he offers prayer to Yahweh and asks God to reveal His power, so that the people may know that Yahweh is God and that the people may turn back to him. God responds by sending down fire to consume the sacrifice and the people see for themselves that Yahweh is the True God. Elijah is just as violent, as Jezebel was, earlier in the narrative. A Synodal Church promotes peace, respect for life, and dignity of the human person. Violence is never a solution. It calls for dialogue, reconciliation, and love as the means to resolve conflicts and differences. Our actions through discernment are to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
The fruit of the victory is rain which ends the drought. Yahweh is the Creator, the God of nature and the Lord of history. He is the one who can bring a widow’s son back to life. He can also bring life to a country and its people. In times of our need and distress do we look to God or human persons?
Jesus affirms that he has come not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them. He gives his life in obedience for the salvation of all humanity. Like the psalmist we are invited to trust in the Lord who shows us the path of life. We are invited to examine our own faithfulness, loyalty and devotion to God, and follow His will in our lives.
Response: Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
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